About Us

In 2008, Bags of Love emerged from a pivotal moment steeped in empathy and resolve. Witnessing children thrust into foster care clutching meager belongings in garbage bags or with only the clothes they wore, our founder recognized an imperative need for change.

Fueled by the conviction that every child deserves dignity and solace, she embarked on a mission to deliver care packages – thus, Bags of Love was born.

Bags of Love is 100% community funded and 98% operated by volunteers.

OUR MISSION

“The sole purpose of Bags of Love is to provide necessities and comfort items to children who are in crisis due to abuse, neglect, poverty, homelessness or disaster. Through our unique distribution model, we address the immediate physical and emotional needs of these children and help support the community agencies caring for them.”

%

Households in Lane County

Face financial hardship and are unable to afford basic needs such as housing, child care, food, health care and transportation.

%

Children in Lane County

Currently live below the federal poverty line.

%

K-12 Students in Lane County

Face homelessness and lack stable housing.

%

Students in Lane County

Qualify for free and reduced school lunches.

Our Impact

In our first year, we distributed 25 Bags of Love. By 2024, we were able to serve 4,106 children, demonstrating the significant impact and growth of our efforts.

Our reach extends throughout urban and rural Oregon. Counties served include: Lane, Douglas, Benton, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Deschutes, Multnomah, Jefferson, Tillamook, and Klamath.

Currently, we work with over 170 agency partners ranging from local school locations, government offices and nonprofits.

REAL IMPACT. REAL CHANGE.

In the past three years alone, requests for our Bags of Love have nearly doubled, highlighting the growing urgency of our mission. This rapid increase presents countless challenges, but with the unwavering support of our community and the tireless dedication of our staff and volunteers, we are committed to meeting the needs of every child we can reach.

Hear From Our Partners

“To our friends at Bags of Love, Thank you for your generous support of our unhoused students. From newly unhoused after a fire to chronically homeless, these students feel cared for by our community when they receive their Bag of Love brimming with basics that should never be absent from childhood. Thank you for always making these available and so thoughtfully.“

4J McKinney Vento Team